BBC「Takashimaya Destroys Cake」

Japan: Takashimaya apologises for 807 collapsed Christmas cakes

A Japanese luxury department store has apologised for delivering hundreds of collapsed strawberry Christmas cakes.

Some 807 out of around 2,900 strawberry cakes delivered in the run-up to Christmas were damaged on arrival, sparking a social media backlash.

Takashimaya, Japan's answer to Harrods, said it had "betrayed the expectations of many" and was taking responsibility.

Senior managing director Kazuhisa Yokoyama bowed deeply at a news conference in Tokyo to show remorse.

Takashimaya said on Wednesday that the cakes were made and frozen by Win's Ark, a confectionery firm in the city of Saitama. A separate company, Yamato Transport, handled the delivery.

However, an internal investigation has failed to determine why the cakes arrived in various stages of collapse.

Only about 1% of Japan's population are Christians, but many in the country celebrate Christmas by exchanging gifts and sharing festive meals with loved ones.

The colours red and white, as in a strawberry cake, represent celebration. Aside from cakes, the Japanese also serve KFC fried chicken on Christmas Eve.

Takashimaya's strawberry shortcake has layers of chiffon and fresh strawberries, covered in white icing that is carefully piped to resemble the frilled hem of a dress. The cakes cost 5,400 yen ($38; ￡29) each.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67825694